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Olson loses GOP endorsement to Kiffmeyer

Former Minnesota Secretary of State Mary
Kiffmeyer has won the Republican endorsement over current Rep. Mark
Olson, IR-Big Lake, to run in state House District 16B.

Olson, of Big Lake, was convicted last summer of a domestic
assault charge against his wife, and has been expelled from the
House Republican caucus by his fellow Republicans. Kiffmeyer
secured the endorsement on the second ballot during Saturday's
district convention at Big Lake High School.

Kiffmeyer fell just one vote short of winning the endorsement on
the first ballot. Two other candidates dropped out, after which she
easily beat Olson on the second ballot.

Kiffmeyer was was elected secretary of state in 1998, and was
defeated by DFLer Mark Ritchie in 2006 in her bid for a third term.
She said her past experience as a statewide elected official would
be valuable in the Legislature.

"To be able to contribute from that perspective, I'm looking
forward to doing that," Kiffmeyer, of Big Lake, said in a phone
interview.

Olson, first elected to the House in 1992, had previously
mentioned that he might run as an independent if he were denied the
endorsement. He did not return a telephone message seeking comment.

Kiffmeyer said Olson's legal troubles were "certainly a factor,
probably the predominating factor" in her decision to run. She
said before she entered the race that she was often approached in
public by people wanting her to get into the race.

Olson's wife, Heidi, whom he was convicted of assaulting,
delivering a nominating speech on his behalf at the convention on
Saturday, according to Paul Vollkommer, the district Republican
chairman.

The endorsed DFL candidate is Steve Andrews, a vice president of
technology at a securities brokerage firm. He lives in Big Lake
Township.